EP1430697B1 - Method for transmitting data - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of transfer of data between a subscriber terminal and at least a service provisioning component of a service provider through a network, and in particular concerns a method in which a communication connection between the subscriber terminal and a special service delivery component can be constructed, their access information when establishing a connection of the subscriber terminal assigned Storage means are queried.

In the mobile radio technology it is intended, by means of future Services, such as the multimedia messaging service (MMS service), new ways of providing and transfer data. MMS content consists of one or more elements, such as Text, language, pictures or video information, etc. On Service provider for any of these future services, such as the MMS service, in many cases identical to the network operator the mobile network, in other cases However, it is also possible that there are contracts between the Network operators and third party service providers. Because the air interface managed by the network operator creates a "bottleneck" to the mobile stations or mobile devices of the Represents mobile operators, the network operator may charge a fee from the service providers. Thus it must be ensured be that the mobile subscribers of a network operator one special service, such as the MMS service or an IMS (IMS: Instant Messaging Service or Immediate Messaging Service) service, only from a very specific service provider or Service providers can avail. If not can be guaranteed, the mobile customers to others Service providers switch to the service they want offer more favorable conditions, without neglecting the network operator to have to change.

Document EP-A1-1 120 945 discloses a method for Assignment of an address of a data service providing server to a communication device such as a mobile device, not showing one for a particular service Multiple access addresses for service provisioning components to a limited storage area to provide a storage means.

The document WO-A1-98 / 57474 discloses the provision of fixed bookmarks on a memory card to access restrict it to certain registered services only, it is not shown there, however, that these fixed bookmarks in special memory areas, namely such stored with limited authorization for write operations or how a user is checked Calling services that the fixed bookmark assigned.

Document WO-A2-00 / 41486 discloses a mobile phone which equipped with a look-up table to enable that the mobile phone preferred ways to connect outgoing Calling based on predetermined codes in the Select reference table. However, access information is not shown for service delivery components in one Memory area with limited write permission stored in a storage means or as checked It should be that only those deployment components be addressed for a particular service, which are provided in the limited memory area.

Document DE-A1-197 42 681 describes a mobile radio communication system disclosed in which in a network-side Component Subscriber authorization information stored are that serve to check if a mobile station When establishing a communication connection, a permissible Establishes a communication connection or whether it is a permissible one Access to a desired switching device takes place. However, access information is not shown in a restricted manner To provide storage area of a storage means, which is connected to the subscriber terminal.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a Possibility to provide a specific network operator assigned mobile customers to certain services and mobile subscribers have some flexibility in the selection of the service providing service provider should have.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a storage means according to claim 13 solved. advantageous Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In this case, a method for transferring data between a subscriber terminal and at least one service providing component a service provider that has a Network are connected, following steps. First be access information for the at least one Service provisioning component in a storage area with restricted permission to write to a Subscriber associated storage means (such as a SIM card or a UICC with USIM module). The storage means is connected to the subscriber terminal. In the Access information becomes a majority of a particular service at access addresses for a service provisioning component associated with one or more particular service providers Saving, for example, by the operator of Network caused or self-performed, where then also an access authorization or an access authorization code provided for the network on the storage means can be. After selecting an access address of a service providing component, whose services are called is, then a communication connection from the subscriber terminal (only) to the service provision component (s), their access information on the Storage means are stored under queries of the stored Access information, built. Selecting a Service provisioning component may include selecting from a (for example, from the subscriber terminal) predetermined list of access information stored on the storage means or entering any service providing component via a user interface or a keyboard, wherein before or while establishing a communication connection by comparison with those on the storage medium stored access information is checked, whether the selected or entered service provisioning component is permissible.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the network comprises a packet-switched network, in particular according to the GPRS (GPRS: General Packet Radio Service) - or the UMTS (ITMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) - standard works, and the data will be packet-switched accordingly Transfer form.

According to an advantageous embodiment, such a packet-switched network for implementing a packet-switched network Essentially two types of interconnected Network node, namely at least one Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and at least one gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), which is part of the core network, the so-called Core Network.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least a service provisioning component a component or a server of an external PDN (PDN: Packet Data Network = Packet data network) using the above-mentioned (packet-switched) Network is connected.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the Access information a so-called "End-User-Address" End user address on which the access address of at least a service provisioning component. The access address can be an IP (IP: Internet Protocol = Internet Protocol) address be. In particular, it is advantageous if the access information is structured such that a particular service, such as the MMS service or the IMS service, a certain selection of access addresses for a service provisioning component one or more specific ones Assigned to service provider.

With the method described above can thus a mobile customer or subscriber a particular service provider for a specific service or for a particular application fixed by the access information (preferably the IP address of the service delivery component the corresponding service provider) in the mobile customer or storage device assigned to this terminal becomes. It should be noted that the service delivery component a computer arrangement or a server of the corresponding Service provider.

The storage means is advantageously um an intelligent memory card, such as a SIM (SIM: Subscriber Identity Module = participant identity module) card or a UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) card with a USIM (USIM: UMTS Subscriber Identity Module) application, the a mobile customer or subscriber is assigned. alternative this also requires the use of a simple (i.e. not intelligent) memory card, such as MMC (multi-media-card), CF (compact-flash), Memory Stick, etc., conceivable as storage medium.

Since the SIM card or UICC card with USIM application or USIM module usually by the network operator at contract conclusion is spent on the mobile customer (but legally seen his property remains), can a network operator on the SIM card or in the USIM module the access information from certain service providers (the various Services can provide) and store by this method a particular service even from different service providers at different prices to specific audiences offer a coordinated offer. In this case, for example, an IMS service with limited functionality from a service provider A to be used under more favorable conditions, while an IMS service from a service provider B with full IMS functionality at more expensive terms can be. The mobile subscriber will then receive the Possibility to work independently between one of the offered ones Services (the cheap of the provider A or the expensive one of the Provider B), but not new services to be able to use that not with its network operator are agreed. The realized in this way Service lock is unique to a specific service Mobile subscriber bound because the individual access information on a storage medium, d. H. especially the SIM card or the USIM module that has a particular Mobile subscriber is assigned, stored and - according to an embodiment of this invention - the structure a connection preferred (for example, automatically) used become.

Furthermore, since for each service access information, preferably the corresponding IP access address of the service provisioning component, stored on the SIM card or the USIM module be assured that different Services with different service providers to complete can be taken, such as an MMS service at a service provider A and an IMS service at a service provider B. A simple change in relation to a service, for example MMS service from the service provider A to the service provider C, the possibly more favorable MMS conditions offers, becomes the mobile subscriber or customer by the method according to the invention, in particular in the case read-only access information, impossible.

In summary, it can be said that according to a advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention a) initially, for example, a network operator of a network on a storage device associated with a mobile subscriber (such as the SIM card or the USIM module) on the advantageously also an access authorization for the Network is stored, access information for at least a service provisioning component of a particular Service provider stores. The storage of access information takes place advantageously in a storage area the storage means with limited storage authorization or write permission, leaving only the network operator Change access information on the storage medium or can save on this. Finds the storage of access information at or on the part of the network operator instead of the subscriber, in particular mobile subscribers, upon receipt of its associated storage means this connect to his subscriber terminal. It is also conceivable that the network operator the access information about the Network in the memory means, this case with a corresponding (Teilnehmerend-) device, which for a Access is designed with the network connected. b) For the case that the mobile subscriber with the network operator the use of multiple providers for a given service, As the MMS service has agreed, it can be a specific one select at least one service delivery component whose access information is stored on the storage means are. The subscriber terminal is advantageously designed so that there is only a choice of Service provisioning components, their access information are stored on the storage means, and none Enter access information for new service delivery components allows. For this purpose, for example the inputs for the calls to services of a Mobile subscriber to be monitored, with only one Match (after a comparison) with those in the storage means stored access information for certain Service provisioning components a corresponding service is callable. If now the (admissible) service is selected, then the mobile subscriber or his subscriber terminal is under Using the stored access information a c) Communication connection to the corresponding service providing component build up. Advantageously, the Selection of a service in which the mobile subscriber only a name of a service including a specific one Service provider on a user interface of the subscriber terminal selecting, then reading the corresponding Access information from the storage means and the Structure of the communication connection to the corresponding Service provisioning component automatically, i. without further Intervention of the participant takes place. That way are for the mobile subscriber only those with the network operator agreed services, and other or new services are locked.

Considering the case of the application of the invention Method on a packet-switched data transmission, so can according to an advantageous embodiment one or each specific service a specific packet data protocol type number which is the packet data protocol type or PDP type. Generally noticed the Treatment of the PDP type preferably according to that of the prior Technique known treatment of the usual PDP types. Purpose, structure and currently available PDP types are in the Specification 3G TS 23.060 as well as described in the 3G TS 24.008. In general, it is for data exchange with external packet data networks (PDN: Packet Data Networks) necessary that a subscriber terminal in the form of a Mobile terminals (also as a mobile station or as "user equipment" designated) after producing, for example, a successful packet-switched connection according to the GPRS standard (in GSM architecture; GSM = Global System for Mobile Communication) or the UMTS standard one or more in which PDN uses addresses, such as a IP address in case the PDN is an IP network. This address is called PDP address. It is either static or dynamic. In the static case, the PDP address is set once, while in dynamic case for each Redistributed session. For each session or session is creates a so-called PDP context that has the characteristics This session describes. It contains the PDP type, which is the Mobile station assigned PDP address, the requested "Quality of Service "(QoS) and the address of the GGSN, which serves as the access point serves to the PDN. This PDP context is in the mobile station or the User Equipment (UE), the SGSN and GGSN saved. With an activated PDP context, the mobile station is for the external PDN "visible" and can be data packets send and receive. Address matching allows the GGSN Transfer data packets between the PDN and the UE. A participant can have several active PDP contexts simultaneously.

In particular, the definition of a particular PDP type for a Specific service may be one specific to that service Treatment in the packet-switched network, in particular the Core network or core network. If you look at For example, an MMS service or an IMS service the service-specific treatment on for example MMS / IMS-specific charging models, a special one Handling of MMS / IMS messages in overload situations, specific MMS / IMS routing within the core network or the setup of a PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) / IP connection for MMS / IMS messages via a Gi interface from a GGSN to a specific service server (MMS server, IMS server, Internet server, etc.), which has the end user address is determined in the access information. through The definition of a specific PDP type can be without great adaptation effort in the mobile network elements SGSN and GGSN or at the Gi interface the network elements involved a piece of information will be made available it makes it possible to recognize by the specific PDP type whether through a PDP context, a particular service, such as the MMS service is activated. Based on this new Information is the possibility to the mobile network elements given to perform a service-specific treatment.

According to an advantageous embodiment, in the inventive Method used storage media, as already mentioned above, designed as an intelligent memory card be. In particular, the storage of the access information in a smart structured storage Memory card take place. This storage of access information can do this in an elementary file (EF: Elementary File), where it is also possible to Access information in another file, such as a main file (Master file) or a dedicated or reserved Save file (Dedicated File). An advantage of storage the access information on an intelligent memory card is that a change of a subscriber terminal can be easily done at any time by simply the memory card changed or the one user terminal removed and introduced into another subscriber terminal becomes. Thus, the subscriber, in particular when using its services not to a specific one Subscriber terminal limited.

According to a further advantageous embodiment that is Subscriber terminal as a mobile device, in particular a Mobile phone, trained, the advantageous way after UMTS standard or the GSM standard, advantageously in Connection with the GPRS standard, works. A subscriber terminal However, any communication terminal can include (such as a computer, etc.) to which a user-specific Storage means can be assigned and that via a Network with a service provisioning component of a Service provider is connectable.

Figur 1 eine schematische Netzübersicht paketvermittelter Datendienste mit Anbindung dreier verschiedener Server zur Dienstbereitstellung;

Figur 2 eine vereinfachte Netzübersicht bei paketvermittelten Datendiensten mit Anbindung dreier verschiedener MMS-Server;

Figur 3 eine vereinfachte Netzübersicht bei paketvermittelten Datendiensten mit Anbindung dreier unterschiedlicher Server für unterschiedliche Datendienste;

Figur 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Mobilstation in Form eines Mobiltelefons gemäß dem GSM- bzw. GPRS-Standard;

Figur 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines User Equipments gemäß dem UMTS-Standard;

Figur 6 eine schematische Abbildung der Organisation einer USIM-Anwendung; und

Figur 7 eine ausführliche Darstellung einer Speicherstruktur zum Speichern von Zugangsinformationen, insbesondere einer IP-Adresse, auf einer USIM-Anwendung.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic network overview of packet-switched data services with connection of three different servers for service provision;

FIG. 2 shows a simplified network overview in the case of packet-switched data services with connection of three different MMS servers;

FIG. 3 shows a simplified network overview in the case of packet-switched data services with connection of three different servers for different data services;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a mobile station in the form of a mobile phone according to the GSM or GPRS standard;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a user equipment according to the UMTS standard;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the organization of a USIM application; and

FIG. 7 shows a detailed representation of a memory structure for storing access information, in particular an IP address, on a USIM application.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of a network structure of packet-switched Data services and the application of three servers of Service providers to provide certain data services. The network structure shown corresponds essentially to the Packet-domain logical architecture, such as from Figure 2 the 3G TS23.060 is known. The following will be only necessary for the explanation of the present invention Part of the network structure shown in detail, where for further details refer to the above sources.

Depending on the standard according to which a mobile device MT works, it connects to a particular access network. In the case of the UMTS standard is the mobile device MT via a Uu interface in conjunction with a UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), i. a terrestrial Radio access network according to the UMTS standard, whereas in the case of the GSM / GPRS standard via a Um interface with a base station system BSS in Connection stands. The mobile device MT can via the UTRAN by means of a so-called Iu interface or via the BSS using a Gb interface with the core network (Core Network). The core network is essentially implemented by means of two network nodes. This is on the one hand the Serving GPRS Support Note (SGSN) and on the other hand the Gateway GPRS Support Note (GGSN). The SGSN can thus a packet-switched data transmission both according to the Support GSM / GPRS standard as well as according to the UMTS standard. The SGSN and the GGSN are interconnected via a Gn interface connected. As indicated in the lower part of Figure 1 is, the SGSN can with other SGSNs or GGSNs of its own Network, but also other networks (other PLMN: Public Country Mobile Network).

The GGSN can be connected via a respective Gi interface with a Server # 1, # 2 and # 3 connect. These Server # 1, # 2, # 3 are part of a public data network (PDN: Public Data Network). The one for a particular Server # 1, # 2 and / or # 3 specific PDP (Packet Data Protocol) address is evaluated by the PDN.

In a so-called location directory or home location Registers (HLR) are usually data corresponding to the individual Data from individual participants and routing information contain. Here, the HLR is among others via a so-called Gr interface from the SGSN and via a so-called Gc interface accessible from the GGSN.

Reference will now be made to Figure 2, based An embodiment of the invention will be explained. For this purpose, Figure 2 shows a simplified overview of a just too Figure 1 illustrated network structure, wherein instead of the server # 1, # 2 and # 3 specifically the server MMS server 1, MMS server 2 and MMS server 3 for providing an MMS service are. It is further assumed that a participant or mobile radio customer operating according to the UMTS standard Mobile device including an associated UICC card with USIM module and use an MMS service which is contractually agreed with its network operator has to use only the service of the the MMS server 2 operating service provider is provided. Consequently, on the USIM application is the customer's UICC card for the MMS service the access information, in particular in the form of an IP address, the MMS server 2 is stored. The assigned to the mobile subscriber or mobile customer UICC card with the USIM application is with the mobile device connected to the mobile subscriber. It is now assumed that the mobile subscriber has a PDP context with a special PDP type "MMS" in his mobile device MT activated (see reference "1 in the star") the PDP context of type "MMS" automatically becomes the IP address of the MMS server 2 in the mobile device MT in an MMS end user address information element (MSS End User Address Information Element) of the PDP type "MMS" and written over the air interface UTRAN (see reference "2" in the star) for SGSN (see reference "3" in the star) and from there on to the GGSN (see reference "4" in the star). Here you will find the Evaluation of the MMS end user address of the PDP type "MMS" instead of. The GGSN builds a PPP / IP connection via the Gi interface to the MMS server 2 whose IP address in the MMS end user address of the PDP type "MMS" is available (see Reference "5" in the star). The mobile subscriber thus has no possibility according to this embodiment of the method the MMS service from another, cheaper service provider to claim something. The method described is also for other services, such as the IMS service analogously applicable.

Reference is now made to Figure 3, based on which another Embodiment is explained. For this purpose, FIG. 3 shows a simplified overview of a network structure, as it relates to Figure 1 has been explained, with this as a characteristic of this Embodiment of the GGSN packet-switched data streams of different Services to three different servers, namely Internet server 1, MMS server 2 and IMS server 3, each with forward your own IP address. Like the name the server already suggests, represents the Internet server 1 provides a service for surfing the Internet, the MMS server 2 provides an MMS service and IMS server 3 provides an IMS service. Again has the mobile subscriber or mobile customer with its network operator contractually, using the Internet, an MMS service or an IMS service serves one to use the respective server mentioned above. Thus be on the USIM application or the USIM module of the mobile device MT connected UICC card of the mobile device MT of the mobile subscriber for the use of the Internet IP address of the Internet server 1, for the use of the MMS service the IP address of the MMS server 2 and for use the IMS service, the IP address of the IMS server 3 is stored. Depending on which service requested by the mobile subscriber is, d. H. which PDP context in the mobile device MT is activated, the corresponding IP address in the end user address information element of the corresponding PDP type written. For example, would like a mobile subscriber use the MMS service will be on a PDP context activation for the MMS service, the one stored in the USIM application IP address of the intended MMS server 2 in the MMS end-user information element entered (see Reference "1" in the star) and from the mobile device MT via the UTRAN (see reference "2" in the star) to the packet-switched Network elements SGSN (see reference "3" in the star) and GGSM (see reference "4" in the star) of the mobile radio system. The GGSM can then use this MMS end-user address a PPP / IP connection to the selected one Set up MMS Server 2 via the Gi interface (see Reference "5" in the star). That means for a particular service the mobile subscriber can only on a predetermined Server access. In other words, the mobile subscriber must in this embodiment by the network operator use IP addresses stored in its USIM module.

Referring now to Figure 4, in which a mobile station MS, consisting of a mobile phone ME and one with this connected SIM card is shown. According to today's 2G mobile systems according to the GSM standard or in 2.5G mobile radio systems, where this standard is extended to GPRS, In a mobile phone ME is a SIM card that is specific Mobile subscribers or mobile customers assigned is inserted. A mobile subscriber using a mobile phone or mobile device ME, according to the GSM standard or possibly working with GPRS extension, and for example an Internet service, an MMS service and an IMS service can use a SIM card from a network operator refer to the access information, in particular IP addresses stored by servers of service providers are defined by the network operator. If you look at the method shown in Figure 3, so may for a first Internet service an IP address of an Internet server, for a second service "MMS" an IP address of an MMS server and for a third service "IMS" an IP address for an IMS server.

Reference is now made to Figure 5, in which a mobile terminal according to the UMTS standard, which is also here as User Equipment UE is called. This User Equipment UE consists of a mobile device or mobile phone ME, the with a UICC card assigned to a mobile subscriber connected to a USIM module. As for re Figure 2 or 3 has already been explained, in the USIM application Access information or IP addresses of servers be stored by the network operator of the mobile subscriber be determined.

To save various data or information is the memory of an intelligent memory card, like one UICC card with USIM module, in a hierarchical structure organized, which is shown in Figure 6. There are in it There are three different types of files, one Master File MF, dedicated or reserved files (Dedicated Files) DF and Elementary Files (Elementary Files) EF. These files can be either organizational or be application specific. An operating system organizes the Access to the data stored in the various files or information. Here are also known per se Way security barriers and access restrictions in the Data analysis and / or modification of the stored data intended. In particular, a data release takes place only after Entering a correct identification number, such as the PIN (personal identification number = personal Identification Number).

In the case of storing access information, in particular in the form of an IP address, in a SIM card or in the USIM module on a UICC card, the IP address can be stored in an elementary file EF. In the figure of Figure 7, the storage of one or more IP addresses in a USIM module is shown. An elementary file of the USIM is reserved for the IP address (s) of servers of service providers providing certain services. This elementary file is provided in the lower right portion of the figure and is named EF _SERAD (for Elementary File SERvice ADdress). This elementary file could, for example, be addressed with the address "6FCD". By providing certain access information for particular services on the memory card of a mobile customer, the network operator thus has the option of binding the customer to certain services of certain service providers.

Particularly advantageous is a variant, in the access information in such memory areas (such as elementary files) on the SIM card or stored in the USIM module before an overwrite or changing access of the mobile subscriber protected are, but continue to be changed by the network operator can.

Claims (15)

1. Method for transmitting data between a subscriber terminal (MT) and at least one service providing component (MMS server 1, MMS server 2, MMS server 3; internet server 1, MMS server 2, IMS server 3) of a service provider, which are connected together via a network (UTRAN, BBS; SGSN, GGSN) with the following stages:

   Storage of access information for the at least one service providing component in a storage area with restricted authorisation for write processes of a storage means associated with a subscriber, this being linked to the subscriber device, in which in the access information a plurality of access addresses for a service providing component of one or more specific service providers are assigned to a specific service;

   Selection of an access address of a service providing component, the service of which is to be requested;

   Comparison of whether the selected access address agrees with an access address for the service to be called up, said access address being stored in the storage area of the storage means.

   Setting-up of a communication link from the subscriber terminal to the selected service providing component, and calling up the service during agreement of the selected access address and the access address stored in the storage area of the storage means for the service to be called up.
2. Method according to claim 1, in which the network comprises a packet-switching network (UTRAN; SGSN, GGSN) and the data is transmitted in packet-switched form.
3. Method according to claim 2, in which the packet-switched network comprises components which operate according to the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) standard.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the at least one service providing component (MMS server 1, MMS server 2, MMS server 3; internet server 1, MMS server 2, IMS server 3) is a component of an external packet data network (PDN) that is connected to the network.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the access information contains an end-user address, which comprises the access address of the at least one service providing component.
6. Method according to claim 5, in which the access address is an internet protocol address.
7. Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, in which a specific packet data protocol type is associated with each service.
8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which an intelligent memory card associated with a specific subscriber is used as the storage means.
9. Method according to claim 8, in which the memory card is configured as a SIM card or a UICC card with a USIM application.
10. Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, in which the access information is stored in a structured storage unit of the intelligent memory card.
11. Method according to claim 10, in which the access information is stored in an elementary file (EF) of the structured storage unit.
12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the subscriber terminal is a mobile telephone device, which operates according to the UMTS standard or the GSM standard, in particular in conjunction with the GPRS standard.
13. Storage means, in particular for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, which can be connected to a subscriber terminal, in which the storage means comprises a storage device which stores access information for at least one service providing component, which can be connected to the subscriber terminal via a network, in which storage means a specific selection of access addresses for a service providing component of one or a plurality of service providers is associated with a specific service in the access information.
14. Storage means according to claim 13, which is configured as an intelligent memory card, in particular in the form of a SIM card, a UICC card with a USIM application or as a multimedia card.
15. Storage means according to claim 13 or 14, in which the storage device only allows restricted authorisation for write processes of access information.

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